I'm going to be outside of Norfolk, VA all next week for a work related trip. Does anyone have any suggestions on trails or parks in and around the area. Is there anything I should take advantage of doing when I'm down there?
I'm staying on 264 just off of 64.
Thanks for the help!
Any takers?
go to the First Landing Park at the end of V Beach--great path that runs through forest and swamp. right at the end-can't miss it!!! other than that, hit the boardwalk for some pounding of the pavement.
i ran there a few years ago, nice place to run. it was a cool and rainy day, had it to myself for the most part,
You'll be a pretty good drive from First Landing Park. I suspect Mount Trashmore might be closer. It's right on 264 just after you get off I-64 so you should be close. Not much of a trail; but the only hill in the area.
It's called "First Landing" State park now? It used to be called "Seashore State Park
He's right though, that's a great place to go. There are two places you can park, one on either end.
If you can get to Atlantic ave in Virginia Beach (It's US Route 60 and runs north-south right along the ocean), go north to 64th St and turn left. There's a parking lot there.
Or you could take Shore Drive East From Norfolk which is also US Route 60. About 2/3 of a mile after you pass Great Neck Road (State Route 279), you'll go by park area. There's a turn-in on your right where you can park.
The trail is roughly 3 miles end to end and there are side trails too
Excellent!
Thanks all for the replies.
When I was at W&M, we ran at Newport News park every Monday. You can run 15+ there and not cross the same path twice. It's pretty flat, but not crowded at all and a great place to get away from the craziness of the whole tidewater area (think - lots of pavement next to water).
It's probably 20 minutes or so from VA beach, and it would be a nice place for a Sunday long run if you'll be there a week. Here's a link for directions, etc.
Take 264 East all the way to the beach. Make left on Pacific (should be 2nd or 3rd light), stay on Pacific to 64th Street. Make another left, follow that into the park. Park in the second lot on your right next to the portos. Trail is on your left when you get out of the car.
Check out this site with recommendations from local runners:
http://www.runtheplanet.com/location.php?q=2&l=113
I've run the Mariner's park loop in Newport News, 5.5-mile dirt trail around a lake - nice scenery and some elevation changes through the woods around the lake.
Also ran on the beach in Hampton, Grandview Nature Preserve. Nice run along Chesapeake Bay, just watch out for the horseshoe crabs washed ashore.
Also, Newport News park campground has a trail that connects to the Yorktown Battlefield Tour Roads. I run for CNU and live 2 miles away from this place. Seashore State Park is a good area to run too.